Hotel groups with 11 or more sites winner 2007
HOTEL GROUPS WITH 11 OR MORE SITES
Winner Malmaison and Hotel du Vin
Employees 1,500
A "real focus on the product", "incredible at what they do", and the brand's ongoing desire to innovate were just some of the comments made by the judges about Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. They were particularly impressed by initiatives introduced last year, such as new recruits staying in hotels to gain experience as a guest, and monthly food and wine workshops so staff can learn more about F&B. A new online appraisal system allows managers to track training needs, plan recruitment and spot high-quality internal candidates. Most managers across the group are home-grown.
Group director of development Sean Wheeler comments: "The people development team and the managers have put a lot of hard work into the most important asset in the business - the people - and it's great to be recognised by our peers. We know it's going to help us attract and retain people."
Commended Accor Hotels UK & Ireland
Employees 4,000
Described by judges as "sustaining a leading edge over a long period", Accor earned praise for its training, including a chef apprenticeship scheme for school leavers that gives a clear career path up to supervisor level, and a nine-module internal management programme for supervisors. A work-based mentoring scheme trains heads of department up to GM level. Work-life balance is supported, and last year all staff were given two free weekend breaks.
Commended Radisson Edwardian
Employees 1,635
Radisson Edwardian was singled out by the judging panel for its positive approach to staff development and strong equal-opportunity policies. At management level, 47% of staff are from ethnic backgrounds and 95% of managers have been promoted internally. Partnerships with external education bodies have boosted training opportunities.
